Local History Files: 31: Fire Department

31: Fire Department

31:1 Equipment and Fire Fighting Force
31:2 City's Fire Department Is Up-To-Date
31:3 Reports Firemen Too Few
31:4 Summary of Survey Finding
31:5 Pension Law Passed For Police, Fireman
31:6 Fire And Police Needs
31:7 Recommendations Of Underwriters Provide Safeguards From Fire
31:8 Fire Underwriters Complete Probe of Local Conditions
31:9 Speddy Says Only Miracle Saves Homes
31:10 Speddy Asks More Men, New Station
31:11 Lack Of Firemen Blamed For $15,000 Loss In Clifton Park
31:12 Fire Laddies Run 335 Times In Year
31:13 What The Fire Laddies Did In Lakewood Last Year
31:14 Another Argument
31:15 Recommendations Made By Chief To Bring Improvement
31:16 An Economy Of Folly
31:17 Residents Can Now Learn Why Lakewood Has Little Loss By Fire
31:18 Establishing A Reputation
31:19 Fire Chief Is Praised
31:20 Chief Jos. H. Speddy Appeals To People To Help To Make City Fireless
31:21 Value Of Property Detroiyed In Fires In Lakewood For 1927 Was $11,168,552
31:22 Lakewood Fire Record Is Lauded
31:23 Laud Work Of Firemen
31:24 Lower Fire Insurance Rate Here
31:25 Fire Department Brings Lakewood National Honor
31:26 Joseph H. Speddy's Fire Fighters Do So Well That Rates Are Lower
31:27 Lakewood Winds In Fire Waste Contest
31:28 Delaney Named New Fire Chief
31:29 Fire And Police Protection
31:30 Lakewood Fire Boxes
31:31 History Of The Lakewood Fire Department 1902 - 1963

31:1
EQUIPMENT AND FIRE FIGHTING FORCE
LAKEWOOD PRESS March 7, 1918, Pg. 32

Until the new fire house at Kenilworth and Detroit is completed, there will be only one fire station in Lakewood, being the central headquarters on Warren Road. When one considers that this fire fighting force must guard the city as well as Rocky River and West Park, it will be apparent at once that if a fire should occur of such proportions as to require the entire department, the balance of the city would be menaced. At present the central department, with all its efficient force as well as modern equipment, cannot guard Lakewood alone, to say nothing of Rocky River and West Park.

True, Lakewood’s fire fighters are among the very best in the state, they are not only loyal, but fearless in the discharge of their various duties, the equipment is modern, but the territory, which they are supposed to guard is entirely too large for one department and it is for this reason that the new station is being built.

The central station at present contains the following equipment: one fifty-five city service truck of the American-La France type, having sixty horsepower engine, and is equipped with ladders from fifty-five feet down to eight-foot ladders. Two hundred and eighty feet of ladders are carried. There are plaster hooks, six gallon extinguishers, axes, block and tackle, smoke helmets, grappling hoods, and all other modern equipments. City service hook and ladder truck is manned by the following firemen:

Earnest Bindernagel, captain; John G. Capener, lieutenant; William G. Curry, Reeves H. Peeples, John G. Dooley, William J. Mornick, Howard Conant, Marvin H. Young, Howard Parks, Robert Klietz.

HOSE COMPANY NO. 1 -- This department of the service has a hose and chemical fire fighting machine equipped as follows: Sixty horsepower engine, carries 35 gallons chemicals, 200 feet one-inch hose, with shut off nozzles, 650 feet two and one-half inch hose, 50 feet one-inch hose, 24 extension ladders, 12 roof ladders, three play pipes with shut-off nozzles, various sized tips, Bresnan distributors, axes, crowbars, as well as pulmotor for all occasions. There are two three-gallon extinguishers. The following are the personnel of this company:

Frank Grigolet, captain; Sheldon McIntyre, driver; Bernard McInnes, second driver; Frank Brooks, Jerome Sheppard, Frank Rokoshi, Charles Delaney.

ENGINE COMPANY NO. 1 -- This machine is also of the American-La France type, and is a combination pumper and hose. It carries 850 feet of two and one-half inch hose, has rotary gear pump, has three outlets, throwing three streams of great deluge; 833 gallons of water can be thrown per minute. There are 50 feet and one-half suction pipe, and the machine has 109 horse-power engine. The three-play pipes have various sized shut-off nozzles. There are axes, 24 foot extension ladder, roof ladder and plaster hooks. A first-aid equipment is also carried. The following is the force of its company:

Jay Redmond, Lieutenant; Louis Slavic, engineer; Otto Ohlrick, second engineer; Lessel Capell, fireman.

AUXILIARY ENGINE NO. 2 -- This is the machine which will be moved to the new engine station when completed and is a duplicate of engine No. 1. This machine will be manned by a competent crew when it is placed in the new house.

Fire Chief J.H. Speddy has a forty horse power Cadillac machine at his disposal and the driver in charge is John Dooley.

Fire Chief Speddy is recognized all over the state as one of the most efficient fire fighters as well as directors of men in this part of the country, and he has received high compliments from many high authorities.

The Gamewell fire alarm system is used, and there are 63 boxes.

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31:2
CITY'S FIRE DEPARTMENT IS UP-TO-DATE
SUBURBAN NEWS & HERALD 1920

In probably no other instance does the efficiency of modern methods count for so much and are the lives and property of citizens more dependent than is the case with the city's fire department. Lakewood has, in her fire fighting organization, a group of men, selected and trained for their tasks, devoting their lives to the service, of which she may be proud.

Lakewood’s fire record is one which her citizens may point to with pride. Owing to the constant vigilance of the chief, J.H. Speddy, who is everlastingly working for the prevention of conflagrations, and the quick response and effective work of the department when an alarm is sounded, Lakewood has been singularly free from disastrous fires.

Few people realize the qualifications demanded of a fireman. He must be of a high caliber, as he is subject to civil service. He must be thorough and painstaking, as everything must be ready at all times for an instant run; he must be continually on the job, 24 hours of the day, with only one day off out of every seven, and he must be absolutely fearless, subjecting himself to all manner of discomforts and danger when a serious fire has gained headway.

While the population of this city has grown, the fire force has not been increased in proportion. With a population of 40,000, there should be according to the recognized ratio of one fireman for every thousand residents. Lakewood now has considerably less than half this number. But the men have been faithful and conscientious in their service to the city, and when the call for them to respond to the alarm, they have always been on the job, ready whether in daytime of the middle of night, to jump on their wagons and do their duty. It is a hard life they lead, and it is hard for persons not familiar with the department to realize their arduous duties. When they go to bed in their dormitory above the fire station, they never now when they are to be called out. If the weather 100 degrees fahrenheit, or ten degrees below zero, whether 'tis beneath a pouring rain or under a hot and blistering sun, wherever in this city you find destruction by fire, there you will find our laddies right on the job.

They are allowed one day off in seven, which they may call their won, and in this weekly twenty-four hoses they must include all their various personal business and social affairs. Recently they were allowed a fifteen day vacation annually. Which all goes to show that the city officials may some day partly appreciate in a small way just how important and faithful a work the boys of the fire department are performing, and recompense them accordingly.

EQUIPMENT AND FIRE FIGHTING FORCE
Until the new fire house at Kenilworth and Detroit is completed, there will only be one fire station in Lakewood being the central headquarters on Warren road. When one considers that this fire fighting force must guard the city as well as Rocky River and West Park, it will be apparent at once that if a fire should occur of such proportions as to require the entire department, the balance of the city would be menaced. At present the central department, with all its efficient force as well as modern equipment, can not guard Lakewood alone, to say nothing of Rocky River and West Park.

The central station at present contains the following equipment:
One fifty-five city service truck of the American-LaFrance type, having sixty horse-power engine, and is equipped with ladders from fifty-five feet down to eight-foot ladders. Two hundred and eighty feet of ladders are carried. There are plaster hooks, six gallon extinguishers, axes, block and tackle, smoke helmets, grappling hooks, and all other modern equipments. City service hook and ladder truck is manned by the following firemen:

Earnest Bindernagel, captain; John G. Capener, lieutenant; William G. Curry, Reeves H. Peeples, John G. Dooley, William J. Mornick, Howard Conant, Marvin H. Young, Howard Parks, Robert Klietz.

Hose Company No. 1
This department of the service has a hose and chemical fire fighting machine equipped as follows: Sixty horsepower engine, carries 35 gallons chemicals, 200 feet one-inch hose, with shut-off nozzles, 650 feet two and one-half inch hose, 50 feet one-inch house hose, 24 extension ladders, 12 roof ladders, three play pipes with shut-off nozzles, various sized tips, Bresnan distributors, axes, crowbars, as well as pulmotor for all occasions. There are two three-gallon extinguishers. The following are the personnel of this company:

Frank Grigolet, captain; Sheldon McIntyre, driver, Bernard McInnes, second driver, Frank Brooks, Jerome Sheppard, Frank Rokoshi, Charles Delaney.

Engine Company No. 1
This machine is also the American La France type and is a combination pumper and hose. It carries 850 feet two and one-half inch hose, has rotary gear pump, has three outlets throwing three streams of water, has a deluge set making it possible to center all the outlets in one great deluge; 833 gallons of water can be thrown per minute. There are 50 feet one-inch hose, carries two eleven-foot four-inch hard suction pipes, also one two and a half inch suction pipe and the machine has a 109 horsepower engine. The 3-play pipes have various sized shut-off nozzles. There are axes, 24-foot extension ladder, roof ladder and plaster hooks. A first aid equipment is also carried. The following is the force of this company:

Jay Redmond, lieutenant,; Louis Slavick, engineer; Otto Ohlrick, second engineer; Lessel Capell, fireman.

Auxiliary Engine No. 2
This is the machine which will be moved to the new engine station when completed and is duplicate of engine No. 1. This machine will be manned by a competent crew when it is placed in the new house.

Fire Chief J.H. Speddy has a 40 horsepower Cadillac machine at his disposal and the driver in charge is John Dooley.

The Gamewell fire alarm system is sued and there are 63 boxes.

Fire Alarm Boxes

No.	Place
9112	Madison and Wagar
9113	Madison and Alameda
9114	Plover, corner Robin
9131	Franklin, corner Cordova
9132	Franklin, corner O. Grove
9133	Franklin, corner Grace
9134	Franklin, corner Coutant
9151	Detroit, corner Riverside
9152	Sloan, corner Edanola
9153	Detroit, corner West Clifton Boulevard
9154	Detroit, corner Cordova
9155	Detroit, corner Woodward
9156	Detroit, corner Lakeland
9158	Detroit, corner Belle
9159	Detroit, corner Robinwood
9161	Detroit, corner Wyandotte
9162	Detroit, corner Clarence
9163	Detroit, corner Lakewood
9164	Detroit, corner Highland
9171	Clifton boulevard, corner Granger
9172	Clifton boulevard, corner Westlake
9173	Clifton boulevard, corner French
9174	Clifton boulevard, corner Warren
9175	Clifton boulevard, corner Manor park
9176	Clifton boulevard, corner Nicholson
9177	Clifton boulevard, corner Thoreau road
9178	Clifton boulevard, corner Fry
9179	Theodore Kuntz yards
9191	Lake avenue, corner Forest road
9192	Lake avenue, corner Summit

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31:3
REPORTS FIREMEN TOO FEW
National Board of Fire Underwriters Urges More Men, Better Water Supply
1922

The following recommendations are termed "urgent" and their prompt adoption by the city of Lakewood for fire protection is recommended by the National Board of Fire Underwriters in a report just made public on conditions in the city:

That for immediate improvement to the Low service a 12-inch line be laid on Riverside Road from Madison avenue to Crest lane, and a regulating valve be installed on the 12-inch West Clifton boulevard line at Detroit avenue, set to open when pressures drop 5 pounds on the Low service.

That protection be improved by supplying the entire city on the High service; or by installing duplicate pumps of at least 2,000,000 gallons capacity each on the Low service at point where supply is taken from Cleveland mains, and by maintaining the standpipe full at all times.

That sufficient men be permanently assigned to companies so the least number on duty at any time, including vacation time, will be as follows:

Least No. of men on duty in each company
	Day	Night
Engine 1 and a Recommended Engine Company	6	8
Engine 2	4	6
Ladder 1 and Recommended Ladder Company	7	9

That mutual aid response be arranged with Cleveland to provide fire alarm response to districts along the boundary and second alarm response to any part of the city.

That the following equipment be installed: Repeating mechanism, including an automatic control board or repeater, arranged for 12 box circuits and 2 alarm circuits; a slate battery-charging-and-testing-board; a slate terminal board with approved lightning arresters, heavy current fuses for each circuit; a break-wheel transmitter with a separate wheel for each box location, and provisions for receiving and transmitting alarms to and from Cleveland for mutual aid.

That the reliability of service be increased by: Placing circuits underground wherever possible, using No. 16 rubber insulated copper wire in lead sheathing.

That additional street boxes be installed so that a box shall be within 500 feet of every building in high value districts and elsewhere within 800 feet of every building in closely built sections.

These recommendations concur for the most part with those which have been repeatedly made by Fire Chief J.H. Speddy himself. They differ from those heretofore discussed by the city council in that no mention is made of the proposed 20 in or 24 inch main in Clifton boulevard. Instead, it is advised that the entire city be supplied from the high service, which, apparently, is believed will give adequate pressure with present mains. It does say that if the high service plan is not adopted a new 12 inch main should be placed on Detroit avenue.

All of this opens up an opportunity for a debate between councilmen and Water Superintendent Peltz about friction loss in the mains and other matters which have held the boards in this regard before and have caused serious consideration to be given new mains in the boulevard and Warren road.

Recommendations, other than those listed above, which are deemed less urgent by the fire underwriters, are as follows:

Records
That records be improved by preparing card index records of valves and hydrants with records of operation, inspection and repairs.

Supply Works
That an additional 8-inch or larger meter be installed in the supply connection at Berea Road and at Detroit avenue.

Mains
That the distribution system be strengthened by the installation of the mains given in the table below, and of such other mains as are necessary to furnish fire supply as follows:

	a. In the principal manufacturing district, 6,000 gallons a minute.
	b. In the principal mercantile district, 3,000 gallons a minute.
	c. In residential districts from 1,000 to 2,500 gallons a minute

Recommended Mains

Diameter	Along	From	To
inches
20	N.Y.C. and St. L.R.R.	Highland	W. Clifton Blvd.
12	Nicholson	Clifton	Detroit Ave.
12	Summit	Clifton	Detroit Ave.
12	Riverside	Madison	Crest Lane
12	Heights	Alger	Warren Rd.
12	Lakewood	Kyle	Carabel Ave.
8	As shown on accompanying plan

That the following be adopted as the standard minimum size of mains used for hydrant supply for all future construction.

a. For residential districts, 8-inch; 6-inch to be used only where it completes a good gridiron, and in no case in blocks 600 feet or more in length.

b. For mercantile and manufacturing districts, 8 and 12-inch; the former to be used only in localities where they complete a good gridiron and the latter for long lines not cross-connected.

That dead ends be eliminated wherever practicable; if the services are not combined as recommended under 3, a 12-inch High service main should be laid on Detroit avenue, connecting to all High service mains on cross streets.

Gate Valves
That additional gate valves be installed so that no single break will necessitate shutting from service a length of main greater than the side of a single block, or a maximum of 500 feet, in high value districts, or a length greater than the side of two blocks, or a maximum of about 800 feet, in other districts.

That all valves be inspected yearly and large valves more frequently, and that records be kept of inspections, operations and condition.

Hydrants
That all hydrants with 4-inch connections to main, or with small barrels or foot valves, be replaced by hydrants having at least on 4 1/2-inch and two 2 1/2-inch outlets, not less than 6-inch barrel, 5 1/4 inch valve opening, and 6-inch gated connection to street main. This substitution to be made immediately in important districts and elsewhere according to a plan by which all will be replaced within a reasonable time.

That the threads of hose outlets on hydrants be adapted be adapted to the National Standard, which is as follows:

Nominal Size of connection	Outside Dia. male thread	Threads per inch
2 1/2 inches	3 1/16 inches	7 1/2

Fire Department
Organization
That an assistant chief be appointed.
Apparatus
That the following additions be made:

a. Establish an engine company at a new station in the vicinity of Madison and Magee avenues, using one of the reserve pumpers; pumper to be equipped with chemical tank of at least 40 gallons capacity.

b. Establish a ladder company at the recommended new station, equipped with a motor service truck.

c. Eventually replace Engine 1 with one of the reserve pumpers; pumper to be equipped with a chemical tank of at least 40 gallons capacity. Engine 1 then to be placed in reserve.

Equipment
That equipment be furnished as follows, where not already provided:

A. to each pumper in service: Open smooth-bore nozzles from 1 1-8 inch to 1 1-2 inch, 2 axes, modern gas roller, hose clamp, hose jacket, 2 nozzle holders and rubber gloves.

b. To the ladder truck: Hose roller, hose jacket, 2 marine torches or por-life belts, squeeges, rubber gloves and 4 waterproof covers.

c. To Engine 1: A turret pipe.

Operation
That a suitable drill tower and necessary equipment be provided, where members, especially new men, may receive more effective training in the use of appliances and tools, including the handling of hose on stairs, salvage work and life-saving; these drills to be in charge of a competent officer who shall have been sent to some city which maintains a drill school to obtain experience in modern fire methods.

That systematic and frequent inspections of buildings be made by company and department officers to acquaint them with local conditions and records of such inspections to be kept both by notes and sketches.

Fire Alarm System
Headquarters
That headquarters be located in a fireproof building, or in a fireproof addition to a fire station, especially constructed to reduce as far as possible all liability to interruption of service, and with all exposed openings properly protected. All apparatus to be or incombustible mountings and no unnecessary combustibles permitted in the building. A separate, well ventilated room to be provided for the storage batteries. Sand pails and extinguishers to be provided in the operating and battery rooms.

Apparatus
That the following equipment be installed:
At Headquarters:
Two reliable sources of energy to be provided for charging batteries. Charging current not to exceed 250 volts, and each set of batteries to be capable of furnishing current for the system for at least 60 hours.
At Fire Stations:
A punching register and a tapper on a box circuit and a gong on an alarm circuit.

Circuits
That the reliability of service be increased by:
A. Installing a separate closed alarm circuit to connect gongs at fire stations and elsewhere.

B. Arranging box circuits to carry only boxes and tappers and registers at first stations and not more than 20 boxes on each; all going and other alarm devices to be attached to alarm circuit.

C. Removing circuits from poles carrying high-tension wire and improving general condition of overhead wires.

D. Remodeling wiring in fire stations.

Boxes
That boxes be mounted conspicuously on street corners. Those in districts where underground duct is available on substantial posts, with approved cable terminals; elsewhere, poles carrying other than high-tension circuits may be used; boxes and a portion of the supporting pole to be painted red; in high value districts, box locations to be indicated by red lights.

Operation
That circuits and batteries be tested for voltage, current and grounds twice daily, circuits examined monthly and boxes be tested monthly and after every electrical storm tests to included visual inspection, operation, cleaning and repairing.

That a complete record be kept of all tests, trouble, and inspections, and a map showing headquarters wiring and the location of all boxes and circuits be provided.

That cards giving location of boxes and instructions how to operate be printed and distributed throughout the city, and that the public be urged to use the firm alarm boxes.

That a trunk line be reserved for fire alarm, and for telephone alarms, the nearest box number be sent over the fire alarm system by the breakwheel transmitter, after notifying the nearest company by telephone.

Building Department
That the building code be amended to conform to modern requirements for construction and fire prevention, with special attention given to the limitation of areas, protection to openings in floors and external walls, thickness of walls, and requirements for private protection.

That the building inspector be appointed for an indefinite term with removal only for cause.

That incombustible roof coverings be required throughout the city on all new or repaired roofs.

Explosives and Inflammables
That the existing regulations be supplemented by ordinances dealing with hazardous chemicals, carbide, nitro-cellulose, combustible fibres and matches, so as to form a complete code governing the manufacture, sale storage, use and transportation of explosives and inflammable substances the chief of the fire department to be held solely responsible for its enforcements, and that members of the fire department make frequent and effective inspections of all buildings and premises in their respective districts, filing complete records of each inspection. It is recommended that the suggested ordinances on these subjects promulgated by the National Board of Fire Underwriters be used as a guide in framing new regulations.

Electricity
That a suitable qualified electrician be appointed as inspector, and the regulations be rigidly enforced.

That a complete reinspection of old work be made at an early date, defects corrected and subsequent reinspections made at least annually.

That all overhead wires, except trolley wires, in the streets and alleys of the closely built sections be placed underground.

That systematic tests be made for electrolysis and any dangerous conditions eliminated.

Conflagration Hazard
That owners of existing defectively constructed buildings, which are so located as to form conflagration areas, be required to suitable protect floor, party wall and exposed window openings.

The recommendations end at this point.

The report comments very favorable upon a number of features in connection with the department and safety conditions and sums the situation by saying that the probability of a serious conflagration in either mercantile or manufacturing district is remote.

The conclusion are as follows:

"The fire department is a well organized force, under the control of experienced and progressive officers, but is deficient in men. Methods of appointment and promotions are good, but there are no provisions for retirement and pensions. All of the men are young. Companies are fairly well located, but are insufficient in number. Engine capacity and ladder service are deficient. Chemical equipment extensively used, but somewhat inadequate. There is a good supply of 2 1-2 inch hose and a fair to good supply of minor equipment. The advantages of the use of 3-inch hose apparently not been recognized, none being provided. Fire stations and fire apparatus are in excellent condition. Discipline is good. Drills are of value, but no drill tower is provided. Response to alarms is inadequate. Fire methods used in handling small fires are good, but are only fair for large fires due to lack of men and equipment; this deficiency is somewhat offset by the powerful outside aid quickly available. Building inspections are of little value. Records are well kept.

"The fire alarm system is essentially one over-loaded circuit, only fairly well maintained. Headquarters is located in a non-fireproof building, with moderate internal hazards. Circuit protection is mainly adequate. Batteries are of good type, in good condition and are suitably mounted in a well ventilated room; no duplicate source of charging current is provided. Boxes are of good type, generally in good condition and, except for red light indication, conspicuous. Box distribution in the high value districts is only fair, and elsewhere very poor. The speed of alarm transmission is fast. The entire system is jeopardized by the aerial circuits of poor construction, supported in many instances on poles carrying high potential circuits. Because of the very poor distribution of boxes and poor condition of the aerial system, chief dependence is placed upon the telephone system as means of transmitting alarms of fire. Wiring in fire stations is fairly well installed. Tests are inadequate and record are lacking.

"The building code is comprehensive, and deals with nearly all features pertaining to fire prevention; it is, however, too liberal in some features, and deficient in a greater or less degree in several other important features. The laws are apparently enforced except for the provisions pertaining to fire escapes. The fire limits are not sufficiently extensive to properly protect the principal mercantile district.. incombustible roof covers are required only in the fire limits. Construction in general from a fire prevention standpoint is poor.

"The laws contain good features, but in some respects are inadequate or lacking. Local conditions apparently are good, but control of these hazards would be improved by maintaining suitable records of such inspections as are made.

"Laws and regulations governing electrical wiring are somewhat deficient. Inspection work, has recently been undertaken by the city, prior to which good supervision had been maintained by the underwriters' bureau for some time. The new work is in good condition, but the old work is in need of reinspection.

"No supervision is given outside work, but the construction is in fair to good condition. Overhead wires in the principal streets form a moderate obstruction to the fire department operations. Damage due to electrolysis has been reported, but with the new construction of the street railways and systematic inspections and tests, it is believed that its danger will be minimized.

"Under the present condition of the municipal fire-fighting facilities, the large proportion of frame buildings and the weak construction and protection of brick buildings, in the principal mercantile district, and the large unsprinklered areas and frame areas, the unprotected floor and exposed window openings and the weak wall construction in parts, in the principal manufacturing district, render serious individual and group fires probable. But the probability of a conflagration involving either entire district is remote."

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31:4
SUMMARY OF SURVEY FINDING
SUBURBAN NEWS & HERALD (?) 1922

CITY IN GENERAL
Population about 44,000. Mainly residential; suburb of Cleveland. Surface slightly sloping. Streets of moderate width; principal streets paved; others, improved; all in good condition. High winds frequent; winter temperatures moderate. Number of fires, high; loss per fire and loss per capita, very high.

FIRE-FIGHTING FACILITIES
WATER SUPPLY -- Municipal system; management efficient. Supply from Cleveland barely adequate. Consumption moderate. Distribution in two services; main arteries in High service, deficient in Low service. Gridiron system poor. Valves in good condition, spacing wide. Hydrants in good condition, distribution mainly good.

FIRE DEPARTMENT -- Full paid, on two-platoon basis; too few companies and undermanned. Chief able and experienced. Appointments and promotions under civil service. Apparatus in good condition. Hose supply good; no 3-inch hose. Fair to good supply of special appliances. Discipline and personnel good. Drills valuable, but no drill tower provided. Response to alarms inadequate. Fire methods fairly good; department inadequate to prevent large fires. Building inspections of little value. Records good.

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM -- Single circuit system; overloaded. Supervision only fair. Headquarters in non-fireproof building. Apparatus inadequate. Boxes of satisfactory type; distribution only fair in important districts and poor elsewhere; no red lights to indicate locations at night. All aerial construction; in poor condition. Tests infrequent and inadequate. Records lacking.

FIRE DEPARTMENT AUXILIARIES -- State fire marshal with ample authority. Police cooperation good. Public service corporations render little assistance. Telephone service widely distributed and much used for transmitting alarms of fire. Private protection of value to individual establishments only. Powerful outside aid available in 30 minutes.

SUMMARY -- Water supply inadequate; Low-service system very weak and at times almost fails to deliver water for domestic consumption. Fire department too weak to prevent large fires. Fire alarm system inadequate and unreliable.

STRUCTURAL CONDITIONS AND HAZARDS

BUILDING DEPARTMENT -- Laws comprehensive but deficient in several important features; mainly well enforced. Fire limits not sufficiently extensive. Combustible roof coverings permitted outside of fire limits. Structural conditions weak.

EXPLOSIVES AND INFLAMMABLES -- Laws contain numerous good features, but are inadequate in some essential features. Local conditions good.

ELECTRICITY -- Municipal control recently inaugurated. Laws deficient. Local conditions fair to good. Overhead wire obstructions moderate. Recent damage from electrolysis; tests made.

CONFLAGRATION HAZARD -- Weak structural conditions, frequent high winds and seriously inadequate fire-fighting facilities make group fires probable in many parts of the city but, with powerful outside aid, fires should be prevented from spreading beyond blocks of origin.

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31:5
PENSION LAW PASSED FOR POLICE, FIREMAN
SUBURBAN NEWS & HERALD, 1922

The Lakewood City Council Monday night passed ordinances creating pension funds for both fire and police departments.

These ordinances provide that rules for the distribution of the funds shall be adopted by a board of trustees for each fund to be chosen by each department. The director of public safety will be the chairman of each board and there will be five other members elected by the department of one year each.

All funds now in hand for pension purposes shall be turned over to these trustee. The city will levy necessary funds for the support of the pension matter and will not be required to pay longer into the state workmen's compensation. fund. The maximum which may be levied is .3 mills.

Just what percentage of the salaries of the police and firemen will be paid into the fund will be covered in the rules adopted by the trustees which must be approved by the council. The sums to be paid in pensions will also be determined by these rules.

Councilman Harry S. Hart suggested that the rules provide that no pensioner could hold another city job or any other job by which he should draw as much or more salary than while a member of the department. "For instance," said Hart, "Mayor Kohler in Cleveland draws a pension as former chief of police and gets his $10,000 salary from the city besides. We don't want any of that in Lakewood."

Mayor Hill said his idea of a pension plan was similar to that in the army where the pension is given at a certain age or after a certain period of service and is based on past performance, not on the future. It is expected that the pension will not be enough to live on but will help piece out other work and enable the pensioner to continue to live in respectable fashion.

It was stated that there was now $2,000 in the firemen's pension fund and $800 in the police pension fund.

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31:6
FIRE AND POLICE NEEDS
1920--SUBURBAN NEWS & HERALD

The map of Lakewood, showing the location of the 66 fire alarm boxes of the city will be found elsewhere. Experts estimate that at least a hundred more boxes are required to give adequate protection to all sections of the city and to give some protection to the sections of Lakewood that have been built up since the present system was installed.

We are not printing a map showing the location of the police patrol boxes because there is no police patrol system in Lakewood.

We propose to print next week two more maps, one showing the proposed location of the 166 fire alarm boxes that are needed to make a complete system, and the other showing the proposed location of the 35 police patrol boxes.

There is not much chance for argument as to the absolute necessity for the immediate installation of a proper system for the fire and police departments, whereby alarms of fire can be sent in and police calls can be transmitted to headquarters. It is such poor economy to take chances with fire, life and property that ultimately we believe Mayor Hill will be forced to the came conclusions we have reached after careful investigation of conditions and costs.

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31:7
RECOMMENDATIONS OF UNDERWRITERS PROVIDE SAFEGUARDS FROM FIRE
SUBURBAN NEWS & HERALD, 1922

Recommendations marked with a star(*) are deemed of most importance and their early adoption is urged.

WATER SUPPLY
1. That records be improved by preparing card index records of valves and hydrants with records of operation, inspection and repairs.

*2. That for immediate improvement to the Low service a 12-inch be laid on Riverside road from Madison avenue to Crest Lane, and a regulating valve be installed on the 12-inch West Clifton boulevard line at Detroit avenue, set to open when pressures drop 5 pounds on the Low service.

*3. That protection be improved by supplying the entire city on the High service; or by installing duplicate pumps of at least 2,000,000 gallons capacity each on the Low service at points where supply is taken from the Cleveland mains, and by maintaining the standpipe full at all times.

4. That an additional 8-inch or larger meter be installed in the supply connection at Berea road and at Detroit avenue.

5. That the distribution system be strengthened by the installation of the mains given in the table below, and of such other mains as are necessary to furnish fire supply as follows:

a. In the principal manufacturing district, 6,000 gallons a minute.

b. In the principal mercantile district, 3,000 gallons a minute.

c. In residential districts from 1,000 to 2,500 gallons a minute.

Diameter Inches	Along	From	To
20	N.Y.C. and St. L. R.R.	Highland Ave.	W. Clifton
12	Nicholson Ave.	Clifton Blvd.	Detroit Ave.
12	Summit Ave.	Clifton Blvd.	Detroit Ave.
12	Riverside Rd.	Madison Ave.	Crest Lane
12	Heights Blvd.	Alger Rd.	Warren Rd.
12	Lakewood Ave.	Kyle Ave.	Carabel Ave.

6. That the following be adopted as the standard minimum size of mains used for hydrant supply for all future construction:

a. For residential districts, 8-inch; 6-inch to be used only where it completes a good gridiron, and in no case blocks 600 feet or more in length.

b. For mercantile and manufacturing districts, 8- and 12-inch; the former to be used only in localities where they complete a good gridiron and the latter for long lines not cross-connected.

7. That dead ends be eliminated wherever practicable; if the services are not combines as recommended under 3, a 12-inch High service main should be laid on Detroit avenue, connecting to all High service mains on cross streets.

8. That additional gate valves be installed so that no single break will necessitate shutting from service a length of main greater than the side of a single block, or a maximum of 500 feet, in high value districts, or a length greater than the side of two blocks, or a maximum of about 800 feet, in other districts.

9. That all valves be inspected yearly and large valves more frequently, and that records be kept of inspections, operation and condition.

10. That all hydrants with 4-inch connections to main, or with small barrels or foot valves, be replaced by hydrants having at least on 4 1/2-inch and two 2 1/2-inch outlets, not less than 6-inch barrel, 5 1/4-inch valve opening, and 6-inch gated connection to street main. This substitution to be made immediately in important districts and elsewhere according to a plan by which all will be replaced within a reasonable time.

11. That the threads of hose outlets on hydrants be adapted to the National Standard, which is as follows: Nominal size of connection, 2 1/2 inches; outside diameter, male thread, 3 1-16 inches; threads per inch, 7 1/2.

FIRE DEPARTMENT
12. That an assistant chief be appointed.

*13, That sufficient men be permanently assigned to companies so the least number on duty at any time, including vacation time, will be as follows:

Least Number of Men
on Duty in each
Company

	Day	Night
Engine 1 and a Recommended Engine Company	6	8
Engine 2	4	6
Ladder 2 and Recommended Ladder Company	7	9

14. That the following additions be made:

b. Establish a ladder company at he recommended new station, equipped with a motor service truck.

c. Eventually replace Engine 1 with one of the reserve pumpers; pumper to be equipped with a chemical tank of at least 40 gallons capacity. Engine 1 then to be placed in reserve.

15. That equipment be furnished as follows, where not already provided:

a. To each pumper in service: Open smooth-bore nozzles from 1-1/8-inch to 1 1/2-inch, 2 axes, modern gas mask, modern smoke helmet, hose roller, hose clamp, hose jacket, 2 nozzle holders and rubber gloves.

b. To the ladder truck: Hose roller, hose jacket, 2 marine torches or portable electric searchlights, pompier life belts, squeegees, rubber gloves, and 4 waterproof covers.

c. To Engine 1: A turret pipe.

*16. That mutual aid response be arranged with Cleveland to provide first alarm response to districts along the boundary and second alarm response to any part of the city.

17. That a suitable drill tower and necessary equipment be provided, where members, especially new men, may receive more effective training in the use of appliances and tools, including the handling of hose on stairs, salvage work and life saving; these drills to be in charge of a competent officer who shall have been sent to some city which maintains a drill school, to obtain experience in modern fire methods.

18. That systematic and frequent inspections of buildings be made by company and department officers to acquaint them with local conditions and records of such inspections to be kept both by notes and sketches.

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
19. That headquarters be located in a fireproof building, or in a fireproof addition to a fire station, especially constructed to reduce as far as possible all liability to interruption of service, and with all exposed openings properly protected. All apparatus to be on incombustible mountings and no unnecessary combustibles permitted in the building. A separate, well ventilated room to be provided for the storage batteries. Sand pails and extinguishers to be provided in the operating and battery rooms.

20. That the following equipment be installed:

At Headquarters:
*a. Repeating mechanism, including an automatic control board or repeater, arranged for 12 box circuits and 2 alarm circuits; a slate battery-charging-and-testing board; a slate terminal board with approved lightning arresters, heavy current and sneak current fuses for each circuit; a break-wheel transmitter with a separate wheel for each box location, and provisions for receiving and transmitting alarms to and from Cleveland for mutual aid.

b. Two reliable sources of energy to be provided for charging batteries. Charging current not to exceed 250 volts, and each set of batteries to be capable of furnishing current for the system for at least 60 hours.

At Fire Stations:
c. A punching register and a tapper on a box circuit and a gong on an alarm circuit.

21. That the reliability of service be increased by:
a. Installing a separate closed alarm circuit to connect gongs at fire stations and elsewhere.

b. Arranging box circuits to carry only boxes and tappers and registers at fire stations and not more than 20 boxes on each; all gong and other alarm devices to be attached to alarm circuit,

*c. Placing circuits underground wherever possible, using No. 16 rubber insulated copper wire in lead sheathing.

d. Removing circuits from poles carrying high-tension wires and improving general condition of overhead wires.

e. Remodeling wiring in fire stations.

*22. That additional street boxes be installed so that a box shall be within 500 feet of every building in high value districts and elsewhere within 800 feet of every building in closely built sections.

23. That boxes be mounted conspicuously on street corners. Those in districts where underground duct is available on substantial posts, with approved cable terminals; elsewhere, poles carrying other than high-tension circuits may be sued; boxes and a portion of the supporting pole to be painted red; in high value districts, box locations to be indicated by red lights.

24. That circuits and batteries be tested for voltage, current and grounds twice daily, circuits examined monthly and boxes be tested monthly and after every electrical storm; tests to include visual inspection, operation, cleaning and repairing.

25. That a complete record be kept of all tests, trouble, and inspections, and a map showing headquarters wiring and the location of all boxes and circuits be provided.

26. That cards giving location of boxes and instructions how to operate be printed and distributed throughout the city, and that the public be urged to use the fire alarm boxes.

27. That a trunk line be reserved for fire alarm, and for telephone alarms, the nearest box number be sent over the fire alarm system by the break-wheel transmitter, after notifying the nearest company by telephone.

Building Department

28. That the building code be amended to conform to modern requirements for construction and fire prevention, with special attention given to the limitation of areas, protection to openings in floors and external walls, thickness of walls, and requirements for private fire protection.

29. That the building inspector be appointed for an indefinite term with removal only for cause.

30. That incombustible roof coverings be required throughout the city on all new or repaired roofs.

EXPLOSIVES AND INFLAMMABLES
31. That the existing regulations be supplemented by ordinances dealing with hazardous chemicals, carbide, nitro-cellulose, combustible fibres and matches, so as to form a complete code governing the manufacture, sale, storage, use and transportation of explosives and inflammable substances; the chief of the fire department to be held solely responsible for its enforcement, and that members of the fire department make frequent and effective inspections of all buildings and premises in their respective districts, filing complete records of each inspection. It is recommended that the suggested ordinances on these subjects promulgated by the National Board of Fire Underwriters be used as a guide in framing new regulations.

ELECTRICITY
32. That a suitably qualified electrician be appointed as inspector, and the regulations be rigidly enforced.

33. That a complete reinspection of old work be made at an early date, defects corrected and subsequent reinspections made at least annually.

34. That all overhead wires, except trolley wires, in the streets and alleys of the closely built sections be placed underground.

35. That systematic tests be made for electrolysis and any dangerous conditions eliminated.

CONFLAGRATION HAZARD
36. That owners of existing defectively constructed buildings, which are so located as to form conflagration areas, be required to suitably protect floor, party wall and exposed window openings.

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31:8
FIRE UNDERWRITERS COMPLETE PROBE OF LOCAL CONDITIONS
SUBURBAN NEWS & HERALD (?) 1922 (?)

REPORT PRINCIPAL MERCANTILE AND MANUFACTURING DISTRICTS OF CITY SUBJECT TO GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL FIRES.

PRAISE FIRE-FIGHTERS

DEPARTMENT DECLARED UNDERMANNED AND NEW COMPANIES NEEDED.

The probability of a serious conflagration involving either the principal mercantile or manufacturing district in Lakewood is remote and fire hazards in dwellings are largely mitigated.

That is the outstanding and reassuring conclusion of the National Board of Fire Underwriters, published in a survey of Lakewood made under the direction of the committee on fire prevention and engineering standards by E.R. Townsend, engineer.

Serious individual and group fires are rendered possible, however, the report states, "under the present condition of the fire-fighting facilities, the large proportion of frame buildings and the weak construction and protection of brick buildings in the principal mercantile district, and the large unsprinkled areas and farm areas, the unprotected floor and exposed window openings and the weak wall construction in parts in the principal manufacturing district."

Low water pressure is another finding of the investigation which heightens the fire hazard here, the report recommending improvements to increase pressure of water both for ordinary consumption and fire uses.

While having nothing but praise for the members of the Lakewood fire department, whose fire methods, personnel and discipline are highly commended, the report states the department is inadequate to prevent large fires because of too few companies an men. The easy availability of powerful aid from Cleveland reduces the danger of this undermanned condition.

The report covers a period of five years, but the investigation was conducted here last summer. The results were approved by the national board and published, copies becoming available this week to city officials and newspapers. Upon this report, the fire insurance rates of Lakewood will be affected by the findings of the investigator. He summarizes fire losses in the period under investigation as follows:

The gross fire loss for the past five years, as given in the fire department records, amounted to $812,404, varying from 131 in 1916 to 280 in 1920, with an average loss per fire of $777, a very high figure.

Based on an average population of 37,700, the average annual number of fires per thousand population was 5.54, a high figure; the average annual loss per capita was $4.31, a very high figure.

The fire-fighting facilities of the city are described under the separate heading of water supply, fire department, fire alarm system, and fire department auxiliaries.

In regard to the water supply the investigator concludes:

"The methods of supervision and operation of the system are good except that there are no emergency provisions. Plans and records are incomplete but are being improved.

The supply works at Cleveland are adequate and reliable; but the mains which supply the Lakewood system are inadequate in carrying capacity, especially those of the Low service, to supply the required fire flow in addition to maximum consumption.

The standpipe is of value as an equalizer and provides a moderate amount of storage for emergency use at the very low pressure.

The consumption is moderate; all services are metered.

Pressures are very low in the low service and are very poorly maintained, varying from 24 to 50 pounds at Detroit and Highland avenue where the principal supply is received. At the time of inspection the pressure on the Lakewood side of the meters in Detroit avenue was one pound lower than on the Cleveland side at normal rate of consumption. Pressures in the high service are mainly satisfactory.

Fire flow tests indicate that the mains of the Cleveland system cannot deliver adequate quantities for fire protection, in addition to maximum consumption requirements, in the high value districts, although fair to good quantities can be provided for residential sections, especially in the high service.

The main arteries of the Lakewood low service are of insufficient capacity but are adequate in the high service; secondary feeders, to support the long length of 6-inch pipe between supply mains, are entirely lacking in both service. Practically all of the minor distributors are 6-inch, very poorly grid ironed. Dead ends are numerous along the service limits. Mains are apparently in good condition except for some trouble from electrolysis.

Gate valves are widely spaced on all lines; no regular inspections are made.

The majority of hydrants have small barrel and good valve and small connection to mains; all hydrant branches are gated. The average area served is mainly satisfactory. Hydrants are regularly inspected and in good condition.

An account of the organization, equipment and fire-fighting methods of the Lakewood fire department is given. Chief Joseph H. Speddy is described as "an experienced and competent officer." Summarizing, the report states:

"Companies are fairly well located, but are insufficient in number. Engine capacity and ladder service are deficient. Chemical equipment extensively used, but somewhat inadequate. There is a good supply of minor equipment. The advantages of the use of 3-inch hose have apparently not been recognized, none being provided. Fire stations and fire apparatus are in excellent condition.

Discipline is good. Drills are of value, but no drill tower is provided. Response to alarms is inadequate. Fire methods used in handling small fires are good, but are only fair for large fires due to lack of men and equipment; this deficiency is somewhat offset by the powerful outside aid quickly available. Building inspections are of little value. Records are well kept."

The fire alarm system is a part of the fire department, under the supervision of the chief, and maintained by the electrician, E.H. Hoffstetter, a regular member of the department. It is described by the report as follows:

"The fire alarm system is essentially one over-loaded circuit, only inadequate or lacking. Control of hazards from inflammables can be strengthened by maintaining suitable records.

Laws and regulations governing electrical wiring are somewhat deficient, the report states, adding:

"Inspection work has recently been undertaken by the city, prior to which good supervision had been maintained by the underwriters' bureau for some time. The new work is in good condition, but the old work is in need of reinspection.

"No supervision is given outside work, but the construction is in fair to good condition. Overhead wires in the principal streets form a moderate obstruction to fire department operations. Damage due to electrolysis has been reported, but with the new construction of the street railways and systematic inspections and tests, it is believed that its danger will be minimized."

The conflagration hazards found by the investigation are:

"The National Carbon company plant, in the southeastern section of the city, comprises 23 frame, 27 brick and 10 fireproof buildings, forming a district covering 22 acres, 59 per cent of which is built upon. Fifteen per cent is frame, 76 per cent brick, and 9 per cent, fireproof construction. The frame buildings are 1-story; the brick buildings are about equally divided between 1-story and 2- and 3-story; and one of the fireproof buildings is over 3 stories in height.

Thirty-nine per cent of the area of brick buildings and 57 per cent of the fireproof buildings are sprinklered. Protection to wall and floor openings is slight. Accessibility is good; the section is mildly exposed on the north and west. Serious fires are imminent at this plant, but considering the sprinklered portions and the fireproof sections of the plant and the fairly good water supply, it is unlikely that a conflagration involving the entire section should occur.

"Extending west from the principal mercantile district along Detroit avenue for a distance of about three miles, several small mercantile districts, mainly of brick construction, 1 to 2 stories in height, interspersed with detached frame and brick dwellings and open spaces. They are generally isolated and subject only to group fires.

"The city is principally residential. Dwellings are mainly frame and in parts congested, but about 85 per cent of the buildings are covered with fire-resistive roofings thereby mitigating the flying brand hazard.

"The district is located in the east-central portion of the city and consists of 2 blocks and 1 part block, covering 7.2 acres. It is practically level; streets are paved and in fair to good condition.

"Values are moderate. Occupancies are mainly grade floor mercantiles, with offices or residences above; most of the buildings are old and several have frame additions. The district also contains a large lumber yard, three garages, one motion picture theatre, and one dry cleaning establishment.

"Twenty-six per cent of the area of the district is in street or open spaces. Building congestion is slight; only 46 per cent of the block area is built upon. There are no alleys, but accessibility is good through numerous passages to interior of blocks. Streets are from 50 to 80 feet in width.

"The district is moderately exposed on the east, and mildly exposed on the west; it is unexposed on the other sides.

"The joisted brick buildings, which cover 53 per cent of the built-in area, are mainly low, but seriously deficient from a fire prevention standpoint. The remaining construction is frame and adds materially to the conflagration hazard. The spread of fire would be greatly facilitated by the lack of protection to the many exposed openings in the brick buildings, large areas ,thin walls and low parapets. Interior conditions of buildings are fair to good. Over head wires would form moderate obstruction to fire department operations. High winds are frequent.

"The fire department is under-manned and is lacking in pumping capacity and the water supply is inadequate. Serious group fires are probable in parts of the district, but with substantial aid from Cleveland, the probability of a conflagration involving the entire district should be remote."

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31:9
SPEDDY SAYS ONLY MIRACLE SAVES HOMES
SUBURBAN NEWS & HERALD 1922 (?)

Advocates New Engine House, Two Engine Companies, and One Hook and Ladder Crew to Man Present Apparatus and Eliminate Danger.

Only a miracle will save Lakewood in case of a fire in a congested district that for any reason was not reached, due to the undermanned and underhoused condition of he fire department, Chief Joseph H. Speddy warns the people of Lakewood in his annual report.

The report, which was made to Mayor Louis E. Hill, has been placed in the hands of the committee on police and fire of the city council, made of up of Councilman Harry S. Hart and Councilwoman Maude C. Waitt, who will decide what legislation, if any, shall be introduced to translate any of the recommendations into facts.

Chief Speddy is emphatic in his warning. He says: “I want to lay great stress on the very large number of frame buildings in our city. In fact, it is a veritable lumber yard.

“There is absolutely no question that if a fire occurred on any of the congested streets and for any reason whatever there was a delay it would only be a miracle that will save Lakewood from a very serious conflagration.

“Not only are we insufficiently manned and equipped to properly take care of our own fires but very frequently we are called upon for assistance from rocky River, Goldwood, Avon and Bay Village, which invariable leaves our forces taking care of our city very much weakened.”

The city is also warned of higher insurance rates, as a result of the present conditions. Chief Speddy says that “from information coming form a reliable source, we understand that any fire insurance rewritten or new insurance taken out this coming year will be at a very much more increased rate.”

This is on account of fire losses last year totaling $144,355. The fires involved property valued at $1,480,940, on which there was a total insurance of $825,950. The total insurance loss was $140,290, leaving $4,045 lost to individuals.

The danger is three-fold, the chief says.

1. The department is undermanned and underhoused.

2. Water pressure is insufficient and has often placed the city at the mercy of fires.

3. Fire alarm wires and boxes are outworn because of lack of attention due to man shortage.

The fire alarm system is in such poor condition because of lack of attention due to the man shortage, that when ever there is a windstorm the system is out of condition and practically every fire box is made useless. It is then necessary to take crews away from the fire houses to locate the trouble and make repairs.

The chief proposes that the wires be put underground, away from the menace of winds and storms. He points out that conduits of the telephone company provide for fire alarm wires which have not been installed.

For hours at a time in the past year, chief Speddy says, the city was practically without water, which placed it at the mercy of fire. He urges sufficient pressure be secured to give Lakewood enough water for fire purposes at all times.

A condition in the present personnel of the department which the chief deplores and says should be remedied is the keeping of men at posts of official responsibility without the permanent grade and pay of the office. He says it is almost impossible to keep up discipline and interest when promotions are only temporary and without added salary.

Some acting captains, lieutenants, engineers and drivers have had the responsibility of their positions, without grade or pay, for as long as eleven years, the chief says. He asks that examinations be held and the money provided for these positions.

In addition, the chief asks that the state law permitting pensions for firemen be invoked in Lakewood. He also asks for free medical attendance for the men. As an innovation to keep them in good physical condition and to teach them methods of life saving, he asks that a drill tower be erected near headquarters.

There should be not less than four engine companies and two hook and ladder companies in the city of Lakewood, properly manned, Chief Speddy declares, after comparing Lakewood’s fire fighting forces and equipment with those of cities of about its own size, and with districts in Cleveland of the same kind of housing conditions.

There are now two engine companies and one hook and ladder company in Lakewood. In addition, there are two reserve engines, but no men to man them regularly. All equipment is motorized.

To put the chief’s recommendations into effect, two new engine companies and one hook and ladder company would have to be added. Tat means six officers and twenty-four men. At the present rate of pay, that means an outlay in salaries of $62,160 a year. That allows for the pay of officers, too.

Engine house No. 2 was built at a cost of in and can be duplicated now for engine company No. 3, which it is urged be created and housed in a new building.

The reserve engines were purchased when the people authorized a bond issue of $60,000 to buy equipment and provide houses for it, in order to expand the department. The equipment was purchased but no houses were ever provided for it.

All the equipment is now at fire headquarters on Warren road, off Detroit avenue, except Engine No. 2, which is housed in its own quarters an manned by a company at Kenilworth and Detroit avenues. The rest of the equipment is manned by one engine and one hook and ladder company at fire headquarters.

The reserve equipment is used in emergencies, but when it is needed at fires, it is necessary to call men away from their homes when they are off duty to run it out of the engine house and operate it, or to call on the police for help.

The reserve apparatus has stood at headquarters for three years. No provision has ever been made to house or man them separately.

Chief Speddy advocates the construction of one new engine house, and the division of the city into three fire districts, keeping two engines for the present at headquarters, or the first district. Roughly, the districts are:

District 1. Approximately from Fisher road on the south, the lake on the north, Northland avenue on the west and Wyandotte avenue on the east. In this district, as described, No. 1 engine company responded to 112 alarms last year.

District 2. West of Northland avenue and extending to Rocky River. In this district, engine company No. 2 responded to 85 alarms last year.

District 3. East of Wyandotte avenue and W. 117th street, in which there were 92 alarms last year.

With a population of about 50,000, Lakewood had 302 fire alarms, answered by only two engine companies, in 1921. For comparison, Chief Speddy cites the following statistics: Elyria, population 30,000, had less than 100 fire alarms with four engine companies; Lorain, population 40,000, had less than 200 fire alarms with seven engine companies; East Cleveland, population 30,000, had 158 fire alarms with two engine companies.

Chief Speddy points out that in Cleveland, there are never less than two engine companies and one hook and ladder company that answer an alarm, a force equal to the entire Lakewood fire department. In Lakewood, one engine company and one hook and ladder company can be allowed to answer an alarm. If the fire is serious, and the other engine company is called, it leaves the city with the two reserve engines but without anyone to man them except men off duty.

Building of a new engine house in the southeast section of the city, to be know as No. 3 and to be equipped with an engine company and hook and ladder company, and the creation of an engine company, No. 4, to be quartered at headquarters, and the purchase of a new city service truck to be located at the present headquarters are urged as immediately necessary.

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31:10
SPEDDY ASKS MORE MEN, NEW STATION
LAKEWOOD COURIER 1922

More men and a new fire station in the east end of Lakewood, together with a better fire alarm system are the outstanding spots in the annual report of Fire Chief J.H. Speddy, made public this week by Mayor Hill.

These recommendations have been made for several years by the chief but have not been acted upon because of lack of funds.

Here is the report:

January 3, 1922

Hon. Louis E. Hill, Mayor,

City of Lakewood.

Dear Sir:

Referring to the report for the past year of 1921 in regard to the operation of the fire department would respectfully call your attention to the fact of the increased number of actual working fires as compared with the years 1919 and 1920.

According to the statistics of the National Board of Fire Underwriters the loss for 1918 was $1.34 per capita, 1919 was $6.14 per capita and in 1920 was $12.22 per capita. The underwriters figures for 1921 will not be available before next May.

About the year 1912 when the present No. 1 engine house was built, it was located on the present site, that being about in the center of the city and with the idea of erecting another house about one mile and one-half west and another house about one mile and one-half east, having in mind that it was just about one and one-half mile from Cleveland’s nearest engine house, also in the event of Lakewood being solidly built up, it would never be necessary to build any more engine houses if the fire houses then in mind were properly equipped and manned.

The thought was also in mind that in the event of future annexation to Cleveland the nearest fire house in the eastern part of the city would be in harmony with the location of the nearest Cleveland house.

Dividing our city up into districts as originally planned number one district would be approximately from Fisher Road on the south, the lake on the north, Northland Avenue on the west and Wyandotte Avenue on the east and in this district number one engine company responded to 112 alarms during the past year 1921.

Number two district, west of Northland Avenue and extending to Rocky River, Engine Company No. 2 responded to 85 alarms.

Number three district, east of Wyandotte Avenue and to W. 117th street Engine Company No. 3 responded to 92 alarms.

For matter of comparison in 1921, Lakewood, population about 50,000 had 302 fire alarms and with but two engine companies.

City of Elyria, 30,000 population, had less than 100 fire alarms and with four engine companies.

City of Lorain, population 40,000, has less than 200 fire alarms and with seven engine companies.

East Cleveland population of about 30,000, has 158 fire alarms with two engine companies.

Cleveland Heights had 68 fire alarms with two engine companies.

Shaker Heights had 97 fire alarms with two engine companies.

Comparing Lakewood with Cleveland with all their engine companies, consisting of about 36, only the following six engine companies, Nos. 7, 9, 14, 16, 17, 18, made more runs than Lakewood and they are located in the congested tenement house district.

Engine Co. No. 32 and Hook and Ladder Co. No. 12, located on W. 112th St., a similar district to Lakewood, only made 70 runs as compared to our 302 runs.

Engine Co. No. 33, located on Lorain Ave. Near W. 101st Street., made 115 runs.

Engine Co. No. 23, located on Madison Ave. And W. 85th St., made 162 runs.

Engine Co. No. 10, located on E. 105th St., near Euclid, made 218 runs.

Engine Co. No. 11, located in Newburg, made 196 runs.

Engine Co. No. 19, located on E. 55th St. only made 172 runs.

Engine Co. No. 24, located on W. 255th St. only made 146 runs.

Engine Co. No. 29, located on E. 105th St. only made 194 runs.

Engine Co. No. 31, located in the Collinwood district, only made 174 runs.

Engine Co. No. 34, located on Amesbury Ave., only made 189 runs.

The above mentioned engine companies are all in similar districts in Lakewood.

In the entire city of Cleveland there are never less than two engine companies and one hook and ladder company responding to every fire alarm, as compared to one engine company and one hook and ladder company in Lakewood. <